SAN JOSE, CA –The stories of two families that found renewed love and commitment to one another after being thrust into caregiving roles will be the centerpiece of Silicon Valley Reads 2018 and its theme "No Matter What: Caring, Coping, Compassion."
"Goodbye, Vitamin" is the critically-acclaimed debut novel of Rachel Khong. Through funny and poignant journal postings, a young woman chronicles the year she returned home to help take care of her father after his diagnosis of Alzheimer's. "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" is a powerful memoir by Mark Lukach about a young couple whose marriage is tested by the sudden onset of mental illness. Both spotlight the challenges of caregiving and the importance of community support during tough times.
The annual community engagement program that asks everyone in Silicon Valley to read, think, discuss, and share diverse perspectives will kick off on Thursday, February 1, 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at De Anza College in Cupertino, where Mercury News columnist Sal Pizarro will interview both authors. Admission is free with open seating on a first-come basis. It is co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley and De Anza College.
The community is also invited to arrive early on February 1 for the opening of "Serving One Another," an exhibit at the Euphrat Museum of Art, located adjacent to the theater and starting at 6:30 p.m. The museum will remain open for 30 minutes after the kick-off, and the exhibit runs through March 22.
Both Khong and Lukach are Bay Area residents who will make multiple appearances in Silicon Valley during February and March. Information about scheduled appearances and other Silicon Valley Reads events for all ages will post to SiliconValleyReads.org in early January.
"Last year, an estimated 43.5 million Americans provided unpaid caregiving (help with daily living activities and/or medical tasks) for a family member or friend," said Nancy Howe, Santa Clara County Librarian and Co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads. "Caregiving is a role that many will experience, often with little warning. We hope that Silicon Valley Reads 2018 will bring caregiving out of the shadows and encourage the community as a whole to help provide an extra set of hands and heart for those who are in crisis, and those who are taking care of them."
Silicon Valley Reads 2018 is presented by the Santa Clara County Library District, the San José Public Library and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Each year, the program collaborates with community organizations to promote reading and literacy and to engage the community in dialogue about themes in a selected book or books that are relevant to Silicon Valley. Events will be scheduled throughout Santa Clara County with activities for all age groups. For more information, visit SiliconValleyReads.org.
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The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional and business services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The SCCOE serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The Office also provides curriculum support, staff development, and technology support and training directly to teachers and staff in schools countywide.